Adapted from a press release by Francesco Fusco | May 9, 2026
A public reflection on Enrico Medi, scientist, politician and man of faith, following the decree of venerability issued by the Holy See.
On 20 May at 11:00 a.m., the Sala Marconi of Vatican Radio in Rome will host the press conference for “L’infinito negli occhi – Enrico Medi. The politician, the scientist and the man of faith”, an initiative dedicated to one of the most significant Italian figures of the twentieth century.
One of the thoughts most closely associated with Enrico Medi, “L’uomo è più grande delle stelle” — “Man is greater than the stars” — expresses the depth of his vision: science as knowledge, but also as wonder, responsibility and openness to the mystery of human dignity.
A life between science, politics and faith
Following the decree of venerability of Professor Enrico Medi by the Holy See, his family proposes a public reflection on his legacy: a life lived between scientific research, political commitment, faith and service to society.
Born in Porto Recanati in 1911 and passing away in 1974, Enrico Medi remains, more than fifty years after his death, a powerful example of Christian commitment in public life, culture and science. He graduated in pure physics under Enrico Fermi at just 21 years old, later becoming a university professor, Vice-President of Euratom and head of the Holy See delegation at the International Conference on Atomic Energy.
He was also widely known as a science communicator for RAI and as one of the voices who accompanied the Italian public during the Apollo 11 moon landing on 20 July 1969.
A member of the Constituent Assembly and later elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Medi consistently promoted a vision of harmony between science and faith. He was appreciated by the Popes of his time and maintained a particularly meaningful spiritual bond with Padre Pio.
The press conference at Vatican Radio
On 20 May at 11:00 a.m., the Sala Marconi of Vatican Radio in Rome will host a dialogue dedicated to Enrico Medi’s legacy as a scientist, politician and man of faith.
His life and thought will be explored during the press conference through a dialogue with intellectuals, journalists and witnesses, including H.E. Mons. Fabio Fabene, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints of the Vatican City, physicist Riccardo Faccini, Gianni Letta, and Maria Stella Medi, who will offer a family testimony.
The event at Palazzo della Cancelleria
The reflection will continue on 26 May at 6:00 p.m. with a special event at Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome, featuring readings from Enrico Medi’s writings, entrusted to actor Emmanuel Casaburi. His texts, still strikingly relevant today, invite renewed reflection on the relationship between science, humanity and faith.
A legacy close to Medialthea
For Medialthea, this occasion also carries a special family and cultural significance. Enrico Medi was the grandfather of Maria Francesca Angelini, founder of Medialthea. His legacy of responsibility, knowledge and service continues to resonate with the values that inspire the association’s commitment to children, health, education and human dignity.
